By Jennifer Ferrara, Counselor College Placement, ES International School
March 26, 2020
Dear Advisees,
You are the class of 2020 and we are now all separated and isolated and in countries far flung and near. We are living a moment in history that your children and grandchildren will read about in text books. You are on the cusp of adulthood in a time that now more than ever needs leaders, creative thinkers, scientists, artists, activists, etc. You are the people who need to face what will be left as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic – the economic and political ramifications that will be with us for a very long time.
You are no longer children.
You are not powerless.
You have a voice, you have privilege, you have homes and you have an education with the promise of moving further in your educations.
You have opportunities.
There are many other kids in the class of 2020 around the world. A lot of them are already figuring out how they will make a difference. They are blogging and vlogging and making petitions and reaching out; they are composing music and writing plays. They are volunteering their time to tutor others online; they are taking care of their siblings; they are cleaning their houses and cooking meals. They are mourning the loss of loved ones who have fallen to this disease. They are facing food insecurity because the only meals they were guaranteed in a day were those provided for free at their public school. Their parents have lost jobs. Their parents are fighting on the front lines as nurses and doctors and emergency responders.
This is a moment – one of many in your lives – that will define you.
You have choices.
You always have control over who you are and who you want to become.
What impact will you make?
Yes, it’s important to have fun and to joke – to play video games and have a break.
But in these unprecedented times – much like other world crises that have preceded this – a generation is required to step up and grow up faster than they might have in a stable historical period. Right now, that generation is yours. The leaders of your generation are already leading. They are not sitting back waiting for their world to be returned to them.
Do not squander your voice, your talent, your privilege, your intelligence.
Break out of complacency and self-absorbed adolescent behavior.
Make some bold choices.
Define who you are. Make a difference. Think bigger than yourselves.
I write because I care about each and every one of you. I believe in you. I know you. Show the world your best self.
With great affection,
Ms. Ferrara
Counselor College Placement, ES International School
ASC-ESIS staff have faith and believes in every one of the seniors. Show the world your best self!
Emilio Sánchez
CEO and Co-Founder of the Academia Sánchez-Casal
